4.3. Ethnic divisions Scholars widely debate cultural diversity as a cause of decentralization. “Provincial governments are strong in Canada because Canadians have distinct needs and interests that cannot be accommodated within a single national government, and also because Canadians actually want strong provincial governments and a relatively weak federal one” (Stevenson, “Federalism and InterGovernment Relations” "90). This argument was strategically countered by sociologist John Porter in The Vertical Mosaic. “Even if true, this would not necessarily explain the power exercised by provincial governments” (Stevenson, “Federalism and InterGovernment Relations” , 91).4.4 Quebec nationalism has played an important role in strengthening the centrifugal forces of Canadian federalism “Quebec's example has encouraged other provinces to challenge federal authority, using some of the same arguments and tactics developed by Quebec” (Stevenson, “Federalism and InterGovernment Relations” 91). Federal initiatives, such as the promotion of francophones to public office, created an anti-federal and anti-Quebec backlash. This reaction has been beneficial to the campaigns of other provincial politicians who favor decentralized government. Contemporary federal governments “have sought to appease Quebec nationalism by transferring federal powers and responsibilities not only to Quebec, but to all provinces” (Stevenson, “Federalism and InterGovernment Relations” 91).4.5. Unequal Economic Development An official ranking of interprovincial disparities in wealth and income has hardly changed since the 1920s. The importance of natural resources to the Canadian economy has strengthened the province's power... middle of paper... Lazar, Harvey. “Spending Power and the Harper Government.” Hein Online. 34 Queen's LJ 125 2008-2009Mallory, JR. 1965. “The Five Faces of Federalism.” In P. A. Crepeau and C. B. Macpherson (eds.) The future of Canadian federalism. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. “Prime Minister promotes open federalism.” Prime Minister of Canada. Np, April 21, 2006. Web. July 15, 2014. .Stevenson, Garth. “Canadian Federalism: The Myth of the Status Quo.” Reinventing Canada: 21st century politics. Ed. M. Janine Brodie and Linda Trimble. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2003. 204-14. Print.Stevenson, Garth. "Federalism and intergovernmental relations". Canadian politics in the 21st century. Ed. Michael S. Whittington and Glen Williams. Scarborough, Ontario: Nelson Thomson Learning, 2000. 85-1